What are the responsibilities and job description for the Visiting Researcher position at CU Boulder?
Requisition Number:
72480
Location:
Boulder, Colorado
City
Boulder
State
Colorado
Employment Type:
Research Faculty
Schedule:
Full-Time
Posting Close Date:
31-May-2027
Date Posted:
15-Jun-2026
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Job Summary
The Bruce D. Benson Center for the Study of Western Civilization (the Benson Center) and the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder invite applications for Visiting Researcher (Sabbatical Fellow) for the 2027-28 academic year. We seek scholars from across the humanities and social sciences whose work engages the ideas, institutions, and debates that have shaped Western civilization and the American founding. Scholars with established records of publication, as well as scholars who have recently received their doctorates, are invited to apply. The Visiting Researcher will have access to a private office in the Benson Center and is expected to be in residence at the University of Colorado Boulder to fulfill responsibilities relating to in-person participation. Applicants for spring 2028 and any portion of the academic year 2027-28 and/or 2028-29 will be considered.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Who We Are
The mission of the Benson Center is to foster scholarly excellence in the study of the Western tradition, its culture, languages, and ideas, ranging from antiquity to modernity. The Center is especially concerned with the values that emerge from that tradition and their ongoing role in American life. Integral to this mission is the Center's commitment to rigorous research, open debate, and sustained dialogue on enduring questions. The Center seeks to enrich the intellectual life of the University of Colorado Boulder by fostering viewpoint diversity, engaging the full range of political, economic, and philosophical perspectives, and cultivating the habits of mind essential for informed citizenship and civic leadership.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
The Visiting Researcher is expected to pursue original research and writing that engages with the Benson Center's mission to advance understanding of the ideas, institutions, and interactions that have shaped Western civilization. Specific duties include conducting original research and participating in the various activities of the Center. There may also be opportunities to teach undergraduate courses, depending on interest and availability.
What You Should Know
- The successful candidate will receive an appointment, without tenure, in the College of Arts & Sciences
- The candidate is expected to be in residence at the University of Colorado Boulder for the length of the appointment to fulfill in-person responsibilities and duties
What We Can Offer
- Applicants' home institutions are expected to provide at least half of their academic-year salary. Candidates with partial support may apply for matching funds from the Center. If no external funding is available, the Benson Center will provide a monthly salary of $6,000 - $10,000, depending on experience
- The compensation package is competitive, including relocation subsidy, dedicated budget, and administrative assistance
- Signing bonus and incentive pay may be available, depending on the candidate's experience and the Center's funding
- Benefits are available for 50% time or greater appointments, including medical, dental, and life insurance, as well as tax-deferred annuity and optional savings plans, e.g., 403(b), 457, 401(k). An Eco Pass (for the bus system) will also be provided
Benefits
At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.
Be Statements
Be creative. Be impactful. Be Boulder.
What We Require
- Candidates are expected to have a Ph.D. at the time of appointment or a doctoral degree in progress with a dissertation defense date scheduled.
- It is expected that candidates are not employed by another institution during their time serving as a Visiting Researcher.
- Fellows are expected to be regularly present and in-person at the Benson Center to contribute to its intellectual life.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- Resume/CV
- Cover Letter describing your research agenda and how your work engages the Benson Center's mission (up to three pages). Please indicate your preferred timeline, e.g., spring 2028, or any portion of AY 2027-28 or AY 2028-29, in your application materials
- Executive Summary of Proposed Project (up to 200 words)
- Statement of Financial Support indicating the level of financial support needed and any support available from the applicant's home institution
During the application process, you will need to enter contact information for three references who will be asked to provide a letter of recommendation as the search progresses.
Application review will begin immediately, position will remain open until May 31, 2027.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Salary : $6,000 - $10,000